By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) Anambra State Branch, marked this year’s World Red Cross Day with a resolve to continue alleviating the sufferings of the vulnerable.
Delivering a key note address with the theme ‘On The Side Of Humanity,’ at Amawbia, the State Chairman , NRCS, Anambra State, Prof. Charity Ifeyinwa Emelie, said the mission of the society is to alleviate the situation of the vulnerable people which include those affected by disaster, epidemic, armed conflicts and poorest communities in urban areas in general, remote and hard to reach areas in particular.
“Red Cross Society, founded in 1863, by Sir Henry Dunant, is one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world, with millions of volunteers and staff working across nearly every country”.
She added that the fundamental principles of Red Cross is humanity, impartiality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality, among others.
According to the chairman, Red Cross is the first responder in emergency situations, reconnecting families separated by crisis, rebuilding communities devastated by disasters, promoting health, etc.
Executive Branch Secretary, Engr.. Kingsley Okoye said the society is the foremost humanitarian organisation all over the world, adding that Red Cross adds value to life of humanity, and does not discriminate in terms of tribe but responde to emergency any place it is needed.
He said the organisation can boast of having a good number of vulnerable children in Onitsha and Nnewi, with close to 40 children in onitsha, adding that they don’t hunt children on the streets to avoid being tagged trafficking, but anybody that is brought to them by people will be trained.
” In the world today, there is a particular education going on on mental health and was initiated by International Federation of Red Cross. Anywhere they are studying that course today, they must make reference to Red Cross,” he said, while commending the Anambra State Government for maintaining good relationship with Red Cross, Anambra State Branch , especially the wife of the governor of the state, Mrs Nonye Soludo, whose support is beyond monetary aspect.
The event ended with cutting of cake, award recognition to Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Anambra State, Nnenna Alexandra, and State Cordinator, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs Pauline Ojisua.
